What to do with Unused Old Electrical Wiring
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I removed a square metal electrical box that had three old two wire armored cables running through it, Now what should I do? © By: Dave Rongey |
Old Electrical Wiring
Electrical Project: Would it be safe to push the wires into the pipes and fill them with expanding insulating foam?
Steven’s Home Wiring Project:
- I have a 1950s home and I removed a square metal electrical box that had three old two wire armored cables running through it.
- Some of the wires went through old tubular conduits into the crawl space (inaccessible) as seen in the included image.
- None of the wires have voltage readings either to each other or to ground.
If I hold my voltmeter up to the tubes and press the Non Contact Voltage detector to it the lights light and buzzer buzzes. - If I touch a lead to either metal tube and the other lead to any metal object (including a distant armored cable OR the metal gas line) I receive 12 VAC.
- Question is: As seen in the image would it be safe to push the wires into the pipes and fill them with expanding insulating foam?I would then place a small box over them to cover them.
Thank you.
This request came from Steven in Columbus, Ohio.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your sharing your electrical wiring project Steven.
Old Electrical Wiring that is Unused
- Application: Power Condition a Light.
- Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced – Best performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor, or Certified Electrician.
- Electrical Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools, Voltage Tester, and appropriate Safety Gear.
- Estimated Time: Depends on the personal level experience, ability to work with tools, install electrical circuit wiring, and the available access to the project area.
- Electrical Safety: Identify the electrical power source to the Light, turn it OFF and Tag with a Note before working with the electrical wiring.
- Electrical Wiring Parts and Materials: Electrical parts and materials for the Light should be approved for the specific project and compliant with local and national electrical codes.
- Electrical Codes and Inspections: Installing or changing home electrical wiring should be done according to local and national electrical codes as adopted in your specific area of Ohio. A permit and inspections may also be required.
Unused Electrical Wiring in a Basement
This electrical wiring project is about Unused Electrical Wiring in a Basement of an Old Home.
Steven, from the information you have provided:
- Please note that the electrical code states the following:
300.16(A), old wiring, knob & tube, Splices with knob and tube wiring and other wiring methods must be contained in an approved junction box. - Note: Pushing the wires into the pipes and filling with insulating foam would not be an approved method.
- And Steven – Let me know how your project turns out, I really appreciate your feedback.
Here are Your Resources:
What to do with Unused Electrical Circuit Wiring
How do I disconnect the electrical wires and leave them in the panel for future use?
Disconnecting Unused Electrical Wires, How to Keep Spare Electrical Wiring Safe for Future Use.
Below are some Specific Resources that may Help You with Your Project:
More about Old Electrical Wiring
Electrical Code for Conduit Fill
Electrical Wire for the Home
Complete listing of electrical wire types and parts used for home projects with electrical code information serves as selection guidelines.
Electrical Boxes for Electric Repairs and Home Wiring Projects
Electrical Junction Boxes for Home Wiring
Understanding electrical junction boxes and what they are used for. Home electrical wiring is the process of installing electrical wire to a location that will serve electrical devices or an appliance. One very important component is the box where the wire will be installed. The type and size of the home wiring electrical boxes will depend upon the circuit size, application and its location.
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Home Electrical Safety
Electrical Safety Articles covering several topics of Home Electrical Safety and Do-It-Yourself Electrical Safety.
And a new approach to keep kids and electricity apart with hopes to prevent children from being injured by electricity.
Electrical Junction Box Splice
Electrical junction box splices can be made safely when you understand the method. This example will show you how its done step by step and shows a junction box splice and the related electrical codes.
Emergency Electrical Splices
Wiring Electrical Codes
Electrical Safety
Troubleshooting Electrical Problems
Electrical Troubleshooting and Repairs
Licensed Electrician Reveals the Secrets of Successful Electrical Troubleshooting Methods used to solve the majority of the home electrical problems and wiring failures.
Electrical Testers
Using Testers to Help Locate Electrical Problems
The following may also be helpful for you:
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Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.
The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!The Non-Contact Electrical TesterThis is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.
The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!The Plug-In Outlet TesterThis is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring. It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.
Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!The Wire Stripper and Wire CutterMy absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires. This handy tool has multiple uses: The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation. The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets.. The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use. |
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